CRC launches faster freight service

China Railway Corporation (CRC), a spinoff of the now defunct Ministry of Railways, has launched faster freight service amid a reform to cut logistics costs in the country, Shenzhen-based Securities Times reported on Monday.

All of the existing 4,200 transportation centers of CRC will form a nationwide network offering faster freight services, removing limitations on categories, weight and volume of goods.

Customers can enjoy such service by simply calling the hotline 12306 and CRC workers will collect the goods at customer's door.

The once in-efficient and bureaucratic railway service provider has also pledged to cap the transportation duration within 24 hours and bring the fees lower than highway transportation.

China's logistics costs stood at 6.3 trillion yuan ($1.02 trillion) in the January to August period, an increase of 8.6 percent year-on-year, equal to 4.59 percent of goods value, data from the National Development and Reform Commission showed on Monday.